Karoo National Park to Introduce Lions to Mark 30th Anniversary

Magnificent Karoo landscape. Credit SANParks

Speaking on behalf of South African National Parks (SANParks), Dr. Nomvuselelo Songelwa made the announcement at an event held to commemorate 30 years of the Park's existence.

"The introduction of lions will bring back a historically-occurring species to the Great Karoo ecosystem," said Songelwa.

Plentiful prey species
Songelwa added that the introduction would take place in the first half of 2010 once measures had been put in place to ensure the safety of visitors walking around the Park's rest camp. The decision had been made after careful consideration of the viability of introducing this top predator, taking into account the numbers of prey species most likely to be targeted by lions in the Park.

Truman Prince, Executive Mayor of the Central Karoo District Municipality, opened the celebrations with a welcome speech. Prince pledged the full support of the District and Local Municipality for Park conservation initiatives in general, as well as a specific fencing issue delaying the full completion of the Park's predator-proof fencing.

Karoo mammals
Because of the sparse vegetation, game viewing in Karoo National Park is easily facilitated. Best viewing is achieved on the "Lammertjiesleegte" Route on the plains.

Karoo holds a good population of Verraux's eagle. Photo credit Piet Heymans

Large herbivores such as Red Hartebeest, Black Wildebeest, Eland, the two zebra species, kudu and springbok are all regularly seen. Klipspringer are regularly seen on the pass of the same name. Other species are less obvious due to smaller size, nocturnal habits or restriction to the wilderness areas of the park.

Birding in Karoo National Park
While birding on the plains route, larks and chats are prominent. Karoo Korhaan, Ludwig's Bustard and Namaqua Sandgrouse should also be looked for. The park's best birding occurs in and around the campsite. Acacia Pied Barbet, Red-eyed Bulbul, Karoo Scrub Robin, Cape Robin-chat, Chestnut-vented Tit-babbler, Layard's Tit-babbler, Yellow-bellied Eremomola, Pale-winged Starling, Southern (Lesser) Double-collared and Dusky Sunbird and Redheaded Finch are all ever present. Karoo Eremomela, Namaqua Warbler (Prinia) and Pririt Batis are regional specials to be looked out for. Raptors to look out for include Booted Eagle, Pale Chanting Goshawk, Rock Kestrel and large numbers of Lesser Kestrel in summer. The park also has a high concentration of Verreaux's (Black) Eagle.